Hello All

My name is Marcus and I am from Bristol.
I am here due to me and my mates hobby of buying and restoring older cars. The wife's think we buy and sell cars with the aim to make some cash, but in reality with enjoy the buying, driving and working on the cars then sell them only to make room for the next. Now and again we make a few quid pocket money but as long as we dont make a loss we are happy.
Anyways, the most recent addition is a 1995 Golf Gti 8V in Dragon Green 3dr. My first Golf, infact my first VW, but my mate in his younger days had both an 8 and 16v Mk2's.
Should be pretty active on here as this poor golf isnt a patch on any I have seen on here yet. On the plus side, my mate was expecting the golf to be a dissapointment before we picked it up (as most Mk2 owners tend to be), but now he wont shut up about how much fun it is. Myself, it's bought a different type of fun to driving as most of the cars I have had before were blisteringly quick in a straight line, but a handfull in the bendy bits (300zx Twin Turbo being one). This MK3 however which seems to have been lowered to within an inch of its life has fantastic go low and mid range, plus handles like a go cart, so its fun without the need to break the speed limit.
Engine wise, she feels just right, no judder, no stalling and none of the main problems that seem to crop up on this forum. Most jobs seem to be fixable by myself a DIY mechanic (self taught so no the best) and my mate rich who's anal attention to detail will help with the bodywork and presentation.
So here is the current list of jobs and bits I shall be posting up at some point.
Service - Did this the day after, oil was very black, but no sign of contamination. Cam Belt looks fine but PS and Aux Belts have signs of minor fraying so will be changed.
Wheels - Not bad condition but are being refurbished.
Water Contamination - First though was ohh no as it looks like very light brown and of a thicker consistancy than water. However its not frothy, the oil has no signs of contamination or frothy residue even after a good drive. My initial guess after spending the last 2 weeks reading historical threads on here is oil cooler? Though Headgasket doesnt seem too hard if that turns out to be the culprit.
Notchcy First Gear - Hoping its a linkage issue. Have done the 30mph Acceleration in 4th test and it passed fine
Paintwork - The worst bit, the flacking lacquer isnt a big job but the crazy paving paint on the passenger rear panel and passenger door is. Will update on that one as we go along. Grill badly stone chipped but will get sorted.
Body - Overal very good, no real rust but needs a new driver side side skirt and some tlc
Interior - Very good no rips or tears in seats, roof lining needs a darn good clean and steering wheel could do with a replacement due to some chunks missing
Electrical - All working amazingly
Overall nice interesting project, we both fight over the keys, which shows what impression its made on us as between us we also have. An Audi 2.5Tdi A4 Allroad (His Family Car), A 1997 BMW 328i Coupe (His Pride an Joy) a 1998 Peugeot 3.0 V6 Coupe (My Pride and Joy), a 1998 Freelander 1.8 Hardback (My Family Car) and A 1995 Nissan Micra 1.3 (Fun little car, last seen being drivin by brother in law)